The coffee giant also agreed to provide faster reimbursement for students. Students will receive their reimbursement at the completion of each semester instead of after completing 21 class credits as it was previously disbursed.

The four year no-tuition-fees program offered in collaboration with ASU provides full-time and part-time Starbucks employees full tuition fee coverage for a bachelor’s degree through ASU’s online program.

“By giving our partners access to four years of full tuition coverage, we provide them with a critical tool for a lifelong opportunity,” Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in a statement. “We’re stronger as a nation when everyone is afforded a pathway to success.”

The announcement by Starbucks has been well-received by thousands of Starbucks employees given the high price of college tuition. Bruce Horowitz for USA Today says:

“College tuition costs jumped about 3% in the 2014-15 school year, with in-state tuition at four-year public schools averaging $9,139 for the school year and out-of-state tuition at public schools averaging $22,958.”

Employees that take advantage of the initiative have no obligation of returning to their Starbucks position post-graduation or to repay Starbucks.

Arizona State University offers 49 undergraduate programs through its online platform and so far more than 2,000 qualified Starbucks employees have enrolled.

ASU President Michael Crow said in a statement that the program “is a clear expression of Starbucks commitment to its partners and ASU’s continuing mission to provide access to higher education to all qualified students.”

“[Programs] like the college plan, reinforce both its brand positioning and its allure to employees, especially at a time when retail rivals like Wal-Mart and McDonald’s are beginning to increase salaries.”

“They are also more likely to volunteer and more likely to vote. U.S. Department of Labor statistics indicate a bachelor’s degree recipient can expect to earn 66 percent more over the course of a career than a high-school graduate.”